Peru caused a sensation with its very first participation in the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most important events in the global film industry. The 78th edition of the event, held from May 13 to 24, brought together more than 13,500 film professionals from around the world. Taking advantage of this international showcase, and as part of its “Film in Peru” promotion strategy, the Andean country stood out not only by presenting ten regions with strong audiovisual production potential, but also by surprising the public with the appearance of an Andean condor — a symbol of Peruvian cultural identity — on the red carpet.
A world-class filming destination
During the Marché du Film, the commercial heart of the festival, PROMPERÚ highlighted on its stand locations of exceptional landscape and cultural value: Cusco, Lima, Loreto, Ancash, Ica, Lambayeque, Junín, Piura, La Libertad, and Arequipa.
Each of these regions was selected for its geographical diversity, infrastructure, stability, and historical wealth, with treasures ranging from the legendary Machu Picchu to the majestic Misti Volcano. Thanks to these assets, Peru is positioning itself as a versatile option for all types of productions: adventure films, documentaries, historical dramas, or contemporary series.
The Peruvian presentation also featured immersive experiences using augmented reality, high-resolution images, and audiovisual content that transported visitors to the country’s most iconic landscapes. More than 100 professional meetings were organized with production companies, distributors, and agencies interested in developing their projects in Peru.
An Andean condor on the red carpet
Alongside stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Quentin Tarantino, and Pedro Pascal, this year’s red carpet walk was marked by the appearance of an unusual guest: a life-size Andean condor. This spectacular costume drew all eyes during the premiere of the French mockumentary I Love Peru. The film, directed by French actor and filmmaker Raphaël Quenard in collaboration with Hugo David, recounts Quenard’s personal and spiritual journey. In the midst of an existential crisis, he decides to travel to Peru, where he reconnects with nature and the country’s ancestral spirituality.
Unlike a traditional travel documentary, the film offers an introspective and poetic look at the Peruvian territory, through Andean landscapes, testimonies from native communities, and reflections on the Andean cosmovision.
It is essential to note that the condor is a sacred figure in the pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru, symbolizing the connection between the earthly world and the spiritual realm. Its presence at Cannes sparked great interest and was widely covered by international media and social networks, generating significant media impact.
Our article: Peru on the Big Screen: An International Cinematographic Setting
When cinema reveals a territory
A good film doesn’t just tell a story: it transports the audience to places and emotions they never imagined. From the majestic silence of the Altiplano to the power of the Amazon, Peru has the rare ability to captivate not only with the richness of its landscapes but also with the depth of its living culture.
In an industry saturated with green screens and artificial sets, initiatives like Film in Peru highlight the importance of shooting in real locations that not only dazzle with their scenic beauty but also convey emotion, mysticism, and identity.
Some places are discovered in a dark theater… and truly loved in real life — Peru is undeniably one of them.
Photos: Gihan Tubbeh
